How Two Events Related to Israel-Hamas War Sparked Police Investigation in Singapore

Singapore, a small and multiethnic city-state in Southeast Asia, has been drawn into the global controversy over the Israel-Hamas war, which erupted in October 2023 and has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people. 

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has launched investigations into two events related to the conflict, which took place on Feb 2, 2024, and involved some Singaporeans expressing their support or opposition to either side. The police have warned that such events may constitute offenses under the Public Order Act, the Penal Code, and the Sedition Act, and have urged the public to refrain from engaging in activities that may affect the public safety and security, or the racial and religious harmony, of Singapore.

The Two Events

The two events that sparked the police investigation are:

  • The Letters for Palestine event: This event, which was organized by a group of activists and artists, involved about 70 people gathering along Orchard Road, a busy shopping district, and marching towards the Istana, the official residence and office of the President of Singapore. The participants carried umbrellas with watermelon images, which symbolize the Palestinian cause, and prepared letters addressed to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, urging him to take a stronger stance against Israel’s actions. The police said that the event may have violated the Public Order Act, which requires a permit for any public assembly or procession, especially in a security-sensitive area like the Istana. The police also said that the event may have infringed the Penal Code, which prohibits any act that may cause public nuisance or annoyance.
  • The private livestream event: This event, which was held at a private venue, involved a person live streaming publicly and chanting “from the river to the sea”, while others responded with “Palestine will be free”. The chant “from the river to the sea” is associated with calls for the elimination of Israel, and has been condemned by many as antisemitic and inciting violence. The police said that the event may have breached the Sedition Act, which prohibits any act that may promote feelings of ill-will or hostility between different races or classes of the population of Singapore.

The Reactions and Implications

The reactions and implications of the two events are:

  • The public reactions: The two events have generated mixed and polarized reactions from the public, with some supporting and praising the participants for their courage and solidarity, and others condemning and criticizing them for their ignorance and irresponsibility. Some have also questioned and challenged the police’s actions and motives, and accused them of being biased or oppressive. The police have responded that they are not taking sides on the Israel-Hamas issue, but are acting in accordance with the law and in the interest of public order and harmony.
  • The political implications: The two events have also raised and highlighted some political implications for Singapore, which has maintained diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine, and has adopted a balanced and neutral position on the conflict. The two events have put pressure on the government to clarify and explain its stance and policies on the issue, and to address the concerns and expectations of the various segments of the society, especially the Muslim community, which makes up about 15% of the population. The two events have also exposed and challenged the challenges and risks of managing the diversity and sensitivity of the racial and religious issues in Singapore, which has a history of communal riots and tension.

The two events related to the Israel-Hamas war have sparked a police investigation and a public debate in Singapore, as they have involved and affected the public safety and security, and the racial and religious harmony, of the country. The two events have also reflected and influenced the political and social dynamics and challenges of Singapore, which has to balance and navigate its domestic and foreign interests and relations, and to maintain and foster its social cohesion and resilience.

Katherine S

1/4 German, 3/4 Malaysian. I write, follow and monitor closely political news happening in Malaysia, and other happening news in the ASEAN region. Newswriter for the best ASEAN news website - The Asian Affairs.

Recent Posts

BAFTA 2026 nominations announced with surprise snubs in major categories

The BAFTA 2026 nominations have officially been unveiled, setting the stage for a dramatic awards season. Paul Thomas Anderson has…

January 28, 2026

Mobile Legends M7 World Championship breaks all-time viewership records

The M7 World Championship has officially rewritten esports history, establishing itself as the most-watched mobile esports event of all time.…

January 28, 2026

Netflix Unveils Riveting ASEAN Crime Drama Filmed in Malaysia and the Philippines

Netflix continues to solidify its commitment to Southeast Asian storytelling with the announcement of a high-octane ASEAN crime drama. This…

January 28, 2026

Popular Food Trends 2026: Fusion Street Food from Thailand and Malaysia Tops Regional Charts

Fusion street food from Thailand and Malaysia dominates 2026 culinary rankings, blending bold regional flavors with global twists. Thai-Malay fusion…

January 28, 2026

“63rd ASEAN National Tourism Organizations Meeting” Kicks Off in Cebu, Focusing on Future‑Ready Tourism in Southeast Asia

On January 26, 2026, at the Nustar Hotel in Cebu City, Philippines, the 63 rd ASEAN National Tourism Organizations Meeting…

January 28, 2026

New “Clawdbot” AI Agent Raises Security Concerns for Enterprise Users

Clawdbot, the viral open-source AI agent, promises powerful automation but sparks major security concerns for businesses. This local-first assistant was…

January 28, 2026

This website uses cookies.

Read More